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         WILLIAM W. WILLEY, a representative farmer of Louisa County, Iowa, residing on section 7, Union Township, is a native of Morgan County, Ohio, born April 13, 1830, and a son of George and Nancy (Wescott) Willey. The paternal grandfather of our subject, William P. Willey, was a native of Delaware, and a house carpenter by trade, but after going to Ohio, which he did at an early age, engaged in farming. Entering a large tract of land, he developed a farm in the midst of the forest, and there resided until his death, which occurred in 1865, at the age of eighty years.

George Willey was born in West Virginia, of German ancestry, and when a lad removed with his parents to Ohio about the year 1815. He was one of the pioneers of that State, and aided in its improvement and development. By trade he was a miller, but in later life engaged in farming. In the new country which became his home he formed the acquaintance of Miss Nancy Wescott, who was born in Providence, R. I., of English descent, and there their union was celebrated. After his marriage Mr. Willey obtained a farm in Ohio, and engaged in its cultivation for several years. In 1833 he began milling, but the later years of his life were spent in merchandising in Hopkinsville, Ohio. His death occurred Jan. 3, 1857, at the age of fifty years, and his wife died in 1883, when eighty years of age.

To George Willey and his wife was born a family of seven children: William W. is the first in order of birth; Henry is a minister of the United Brethren Church, and belongs to the Des Moines Conference; Sylvester S. is a farmer of Noble County, Ohio; George E., who is a mechanic, resides in Stanislaus County, Cal., Abbie is the wife of William Fulkerth, also of Stanislaus County; Sarah wedded John Coyl, whose home is in Vinton County, Ohio, and Austin is also living in Stanislaus County. The parents of these children were both members of the Methodist Protestant Church. Mr. Willey was a man strong in his convictions, prominent in the promotion of temperance, and a great friend to education. In his political views he was a Democrat, one who took great interest in political affairs, and was well informed on all the leading questions of the day, both State and National.

Our subject grew to manhood in his native State, and there learned the miller’s trade. He received his education at the common schools, and at the age of twenty left the parental roof, and for several years worked at the carpenter’s trade. On the 3d of August, 1854, he led to the marriage altar Miss Eliza J. Geddes, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of James Geddes, who was born in Scotland. Her mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Conkle, was of German descent.

To Mr. and Mrs. Willey have been born thirteen children, and nine of that number are yet living: Ira G., who is engaged in farming in Washington County, Iowa; John W., also a farmer of that county; Ora S., at home; Nellie, wife of H. L. Orris, of Washington County; Nannie, James Harlan, Charles, Frank and Walter Vincent, yet reside with their parents. Those deceased are: Ruth, who died in infancy; Elmanda, who died when three years old; Mary E., who died in childhood; and Elberta, who died March 7, 1883, at the age of twenty-two years.

In 1856 Mr. Willey first became a resident of Iowa, locating at that time in Washington county, where he made his home for three years, and then came to Louisa County. Purchasing seventy acres of raw land on section 7, Union Township, he immediately began its improvement, and has added to it until he now owns 240 acres, which are in a fine state of cultivation, and comprise one of the best farms in the county. His fine residence was erected at a cost of $2,000, and his barn and other out-buildings necessary to a well-regulated farm are models of convenience.

Mr. Willey has served as Justice of the Peace for several terms, and has also held other township offices, in which he has proved an efficient officer, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity. . . .

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. . . He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has served as Class-Leader. He is an active worker in the Sunday-school, in which he is a successful teacher, and does all in his power to advance its interests. He casts his ballot for the Republican party, and is in favor of the prohibitory law. He is a correspondent of the Safeguard, over the non-de plume of Vance, is well informed on all matters of general interest, and is highly respected both as a citizen and friend by all who know him.